How a Doctor's Battle With Sickle Cell Disease Fuels His Life's Work

Dr. Stephan Biheng has spent his life battling sickle cell disease while working to improve health care for others. Born in Cameroon, where the condition is a major public health issue, he now researches ways to help underserved communities in the US. His latest work focuses on how religious leaders can encourage trust in medicine and screening for sickle cell disease. Biheng’s struggle with sickle cell disease began in childhood. Growing up in Cameroon, his parents faced difficulties finding effective treatment, leading to frequent hospital stays and missed school. The country sees around 7,000 children born with the disease each year, with many dying before age five.

After completing his premed degree and medical training in France, Biheng worked as a doctor before moving to the US. He later earned a doctoral degree in organisational leadership, specialising in health care administration, from Grand Canyon University. His thesis explored how religious leaders could help raise awareness of sickle cell disease, particularly in high-risk communities where stigma remains strong. Now a researcher at the Oklahoma Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Biheng believes faith leaders can play a key role. By promoting screening and trust in medicine, they could reduce the disease’s impact in areas where mistrust of science persists. His long-term aim is to use evidence-based research to make health care more accessible for low-income and underserved patients.

Biheng’s personal experience with sickle cell disease drives his work to improve health outcomes. His research highlights the potential of religious leaders in encouraging screening and treatment. The goal is to reduce suffering in communities where the disease remains a major challenge.